| Regimental number | 808 |
| Place of birth | Port Germein, South Australia |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Port Germein, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25.3 |
| Height | 5' 9.5" |
| Weight | 130 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Louisa Bessen, Port Germein, South Australia |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Port Pirie, South Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 43rd Battalion, B Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/60/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A19 Afric on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 16th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Port Napier', 12 May 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Adelaide, 13 August 1917. Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Place of burial | AIF Cemetery, West Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, BESSEN Ernest Rudolph |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
